METHODS: In the reported study, an attempt has been made to investigate some non-cancer hERG blockers as potential cancer therapeutics using a computational drug repurposing strategy. Preliminary investigation for hERG blockers/non-blockers has identified 26 potential clinically approved compounds for further studies using molecular modeling.
RESULTS: The interactions at the binding pockets have been investigated along with the prioritization based on the binding score. Some of the identified potential hERG inhibitors, i.e., Bromocriptine, Darglitazone, and Troglitazone, have been investigated to derive the mechanism of cancer inhibition.
CONCLUSIONS: The proposed mechanism for anti-cancer properties via hERG blocking for some of the potential compounds is required to be explored using other experimental methodologies. The drug repurposing approach applied to investigate anti-cancer therapeutics may direct to provide a therapeutic solution to late-stage cancer and benefit a significant population of patients.
METHODS: An online survey-based study of leading eye institutions in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam was conducted. The survey was administered to 26 representative key opinion leaders from prominent tertiary eye institutions that are also national academic teaching institutions in Asia. Survey responses were collated and anonymized during analysis.
RESULTS: All surveyed institutions used povidone iodine for the preoperative antiseptic preparation of the eye, with notable variations in the concentration of povidone iodine used for conjunctival sac instillation. Preoperative topical antibiotics were prescribed by 61.5% and 69.2% of institutions in low-risk and high-risk cases, respectively. Regarding the use of intra-operative antibiotics, 60.0% and 66.7% of institutions administered intracameral antibiotics in low-risk and high-risk patients, respectively. Postoperative topical antibiotics use patterns were generally very similar in low-risk and high-risk patients. Over half of the institutions (52.2% and 68.0% in low-risk and high-risk patients, respectively) also indicated prolonged postoperative use of topical antibiotics (> 2 weeks). Not all surveyed institutions had established policies/protocols for perioperative antibiotic use in cataract surgery, endophthalmitis surveillance, and/or a monitoring program for emerging antimicrobial resistance.
CONCLUSION: There are variations in antimicrobial prophylaxis approaches to preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative regimens in cataract surgery in Asia. More evidence-based research is needed to support the development of detailed guidelines for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce postoperative infections.